Genesis 26:3

KJV

Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

KJV (with Strong's)

Sojourn {H1481} in this land {H776}, and I will be with thee, and will bless {H1288} thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed {H2233}, I will give {H5414} all these {H411} countries {H776}, and I will perform {H6965} the oath {H7621} which I sware {H7650} unto Abraham {H85} thy father {H1};

Complete Jewish Bible

Stay in this land, and I will be with you and bless you, because I will give all these lands to you and to your descendants. I will fulfill the oath which I swore to Avraham your father -

Berean Standard Bible

Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham.

American Standard Version

sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
records a profound divine encounter where God reaffirms His covenant promises to Isaac, echoing the blessings and land inheritance first sworn to Abraham. This pivotal verse underscores God's unwavering faithfulness, His intimate presence with His chosen, and the enduring continuity of His redemptive plan across generations, ensuring the ultimate fulfillment of His solemn oath. It establishes Isaac's role as the next recipient of the covenant, even amidst challenging circumstances, highlighting divine provision and guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated early in [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar"), a chapter primarily dedicated to Isaac's experiences, mirroring many of Abraham's earlier trials and blessings. The narrative opens with a severe famine, reminiscent of the one that drove [Abraham to Egypt](/genesis/12-10 "Abraham's Journey to Egypt") in a previous generation. God's direct command to Isaac in [Genesis 26:2](/genesis/26-2 "God's Command to Isaac") to "Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of" sets the immediate stage for the promises of [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac"). This divine intervention prevents Isaac from repeating his father's mistake and emphasizes God's specific guidance for His covenant people to remain in the promised land, trusting in His provision despite scarcity. The subsequent verses detail Isaac's obedience, his deceptive act regarding Rebekah (again, echoing Abraham), and his eventual prosperity, all under the umbrella of God's promised presence and blessing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the land of Canaan, specifically Gerar, a Philistine territory, during a period of severe famine. In the ancient Near East, famine was a common and devastating threat, often prompting migrations to more fertile regions like Egypt, known for its reliable Nile-fed agriculture. The concept of "sojourning" (living as a temporary resident or alien) was common for nomadic pastoralists like Isaac, who moved with their flocks. However, God's command to "sojourn in this land" (Canaan) rather than migrate to Egypt carried significant theological weight. It underscored the unique, divinely designated status of Canaan as the promised land, a place where God's covenant promises would unfold. The cultural practice of solemn oaths, often accompanied by rituals, was deeply ingrained, making God's declaration, "I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father," a profoundly binding and reassuring statement within that cultural framework.
* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. The primary theme is **Divine Faithfulness and Covenant Continuity**, as God explicitly reaffirms the Abrahamic covenant to Isaac, demonstrating His unchanging character and commitment across generations. This verse also highlights **God's Active Presence and Providence**, with the promise "I will be with thee" assuring Isaac of divine companionship and protection even in hardship. The theme of **The Land Promise** is central, as God reiterates the gift of "all these countries" (Canaan) to Isaac and his "seed," emphasizing its significance as the physical inheritance for the covenant people. Finally, the **Seed of Promise** theme is advanced, pointing to the lineage through whom God's redemptive purposes would ultimately be fulfilled, a concept that finds its ultimate expression in [the person of Christ](/galatians/3-16 "Paul's Interpretation of the Seed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac") records God's direct address to Isaac, echoing and reaffirming the covenant promises made to his father, Abraham. The verse is a rich tapestry of divine command, promise, and covenantal assurance.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Sojourn (Hebrew, _gûwr'_):** This word (H1481) means "to turn aside from the road (for a lodging or any other purpose), i.e., sojourn (as a guest); also to shrink, fear (as in a strange place); also to gather for hostility (as afraid)." In this context, it emphasizes Isaac's status as a temporary resident, a pilgrim in a land not yet fully possessed by his family. It implies a state of dependence on God for provision and protection, rather than establishing permanent roots or seeking security through his own means, especially in the face of famine.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This term (H1288) signifies "to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit)." Here, it refers to God bestowing favor, prosperity, protection, and fruitfulness upon Isaac. The divine blessing is comprehensive, encompassing material well-being, spiritual favor, and the assurance of God's active involvement in Isaac's life, enabling him to thrive even in adverse conditions.
* **Oath (Hebrew, _shᵉbûwʻâh'_):** This noun (H7621) refers to "something sworn, i.e., an oath." It denotes a solemn, binding declaration, often invoked with divine witness, making it unbreakable. God's reference to the "oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father" highlights the absolute reliability and unconditional nature of His covenant promises. It underscores that His word is immutable and His commitment to His covenant is steadfast, providing an unshakeable foundation for Isaac's faith.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Sojourn in this land":** This is God's direct, imperative command to Isaac. Despite the severe famine prompting thoughts of migration to Egypt, God explicitly instructs Isaac to remain within the land of Canaan. This command is a test of Isaac's obedience and trust, demanding that he rely on God's supernatural provision rather than human ingenuity or external solutions. It signifies God's desire for His covenant people to abide within the sphere of His specific promises and presence.
* **"and I will be with thee, and will bless thee":** This foundational promise assures Isaac of God's constant, intimate companionship and protective care. "I will be with thee" is a recurring covenantal formula throughout Scripture, signifying God's personal relationship with His chosen and His commitment to never abandon them. This divine presence is the ultimate guarantee of the subsequent blessing, which encompasses prosperity, protection, fruitfulness, and overall well-being, enabling Isaac to flourish even amidst scarcity.
* **"for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries":** Here, God explicitly reiterates the central land promise of the Abrahamic covenant. "All these countries" refers to the entire geographical expanse of Canaan. This promise is not just for Isaac personally but extends definitively to his "seed" (descendants), emphasizing the generational nature of the covenant. This land serves as the tangible inheritance and the future homeland for the nation that will descend from Isaac.
* **"and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father":** This powerful declaration underscores God's absolute reliability and the unconditional nature of His covenant. God's promises are not contingent upon human merit or performance but are founded on His unchanging character and solemn, sworn oath. By invoking the oath made to Abraham, God assures Isaac that the covenant is a divinely guaranteed reality, not subject to human failure or external circumstances. "Perform" highlights God's active commitment to bring His word to fruition across generations.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Repetition** is prominent, as God reiterates promises first made to Abraham, emphasizing the continuity and unchanging nature of His covenant. This serves as a powerful reassurance to Isaac and to the reader. The phrase "I will be with thee" functions as a **Covenant Formula**, a concise expression of God's commitment to His people, signifying His protective presence and active involvement. The entire declaration is an act of **Divine Speech**, highlighting God's direct, personal communication with His chosen patriarch, underscoring His sovereignty and intimate relationship with His people. The reference to the "oath" serves as a form of **Legal Language**, lending gravity and irrevocability to the divine promises, appealing to a culturally understood concept of binding agreements. Finally, the promise of "all these countries" and "thy seed" involves **Symbolism**, where the physical land and descendants represent the broader scope of God's blessing and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan for a chosen people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac") is a profound testament to God's immutable faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. It demonstrates that God's redemptive plan is generational, extending His blessings and commitments from Abraham to Isaac, and by extension, to all who would follow in the lineage of faith. The promise of God's presence ("I will be with thee") is a foundational theological truth, highlighting His immanence and active involvement in the lives of His people, providing comfort and assurance. The reiteration of the land promise underscores its significance not merely as a geographical inheritance but as a tangible sign of God's blessing and a foreshadowing of the ultimate spiritual inheritance in Christ. This verse reinforces the concept of divine sovereignty, as God directs Isaac's path and ensures the fulfillment of His sworn word regardless of external circumstances like famine.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "The Call of Abraham and Covenant Promises"): This passage records the initial call of Abraham and the foundational promises of land, seed, and blessing, to which God refers in [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac").
* [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "The Land Covenant Confirmed"): Here, God formally establishes the land covenant with Abraham, detailing its boundaries, which is reaffirmed to Isaac in [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac").
* [Hebrews 6:13-14](/hebrews/6-13-14 "God's Unchanging Oath to Abraham"): This New Testament passage emphasizes the unchangeable nature of God's counsel and His oath to Abraham, providing further theological weight to the promise reiterated in [Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac").

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac") offers profound encouragement and practical guidance for contemporary believers. Isaac's situation, facing famine yet commanded to remain in the land, challenges us to trust God's specific instructions, even when they seem counter-intuitive or demand a step of faith beyond our comfort zone. It reminds us that God's provision is not dependent on our circumstances or our own efforts, but on His sovereign power and unwavering faithfulness to His promises. Like Isaac, we are called to live as pilgrims, trusting in God's presence ("I will be with thee") as our ultimate security and source of blessing, knowing that He is actively at work to "perform" His word in our lives. This verse fosters a deep confidence that God's covenant with His people is generational and enduring, providing hope and a firm foundation for our faith even in times of uncertainty or hardship. It encourages us to prioritize obedience to God's revealed will, believing that His way, though sometimes challenging, always leads to His intended blessing and fulfillment.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's obedience to "sojourn in this land" despite the famine challenge your own approach to difficult circumstances?**
* **In what ways do you experience God's promise, "I will be with thee," in your daily life?**
* **What "oath" or promise of God are you currently holding onto, and how does His faithfulness to Isaac strengthen your trust?**

### FAQ

**Why did God instruct Isaac to "sojourn in this land" during a famine instead of migrating?**

Answer: God's instruction for Isaac to remain in Canaan during the famine was a crucial test of faith and an act of divine preservation, underscoring that God's provision was not dependent on Isaac's efforts to find sustenance elsewhere, but on His own sovereign power and faithfulness to the covenant. By staying, Isaac demonstrated trust in God's ability to sustain him in the promised land, reinforcing the spiritual significance of remaining within the sphere of God's direct command and blessing. This also prevented Isaac from potentially compromising his covenant identity or becoming entangled in foreign customs, as [Abraham had experienced in Egypt](/genesis/12-10-20 "Abraham's Sojourn in Egypt").

**How does God's reaffirmation of the oath to Isaac demonstrate His character?**

Answer: God's reaffirmation of the oath to Isaac profoundly demonstrates His immutable faithfulness, trustworthiness, and the unconditional nature of His covenant. It showcases that God's promises are not fleeting or dependent on human merit, but are grounded in His unchanging character and divine integrity. This act reinforces His reliability as a covenant-keeping God, providing a firm and unshakeable foundation for the faith of Isaac and all subsequent generations who would inherit the promises. It underscores that God is true to His word, even across generations, and that His purposes will be accomplished.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Genesis 26:3](/genesis/26-3 "God's Promise to Isaac") finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment primarily through the promise of "thy seed" and the universal extension of blessing. While initially referring to Isaac's physical descendants and the nation of Israel, the New Testament, particularly [Paul's exposition in Galatians](/galatians/3-16 "Paul's Interpretation of the Seed"), clarifies that the singular "Seed" to whom the promises were ultimately directed is Christ. Through Jesus, the spiritual blessings of the Abrahamic covenant—God's presence, His comprehensive blessing, and the inheritance of a spiritual kingdom—are extended not only to Israel but to all nations, fulfilling the original promise that "in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed" ([Genesis 22:18](/genesis/22-18 "God's Promise to Abraham after the Binding of Isaac")). Christ is the true heir of the promise, and through faith in Him, believers from every tribe and tongue become spiritual heirs, sharing in the divine promises and inheriting the eternal "land" of God's presence and kingdom ([Hebrews 11:8-10](/hebrews/11-8-10 "Abraham, the Pilgrim of Faith")). Thus, the covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac are fully realized and universalized in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ, who embodies God's faithfulness and brings ultimate blessing.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 28:15

And, behold, I [am] with thee, and will keep thee in all [places] whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done [that] which I have spoken to thee of.

Psalms 105:9

Which [covenant] he made with Abraham, and his oath unto Isaac;

Genesis 17:8

And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

Genesis 13:15

For all the land which thou seest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed for ever.

Genesis 12:7

And the LORD appeared unto Abram, and said, Unto thy seed will I give this land: and there builded he an altar unto the LORD, who appeared unto him.

Genesis 22:16

And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [son]:

Genesis 22:18

And in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.